Nearly 100 people were arrested for drink or drug driving offences by Bedfordshire Police in their Christmas campaign.

The figures, released on Wednesday, show 98 arrests were made between December 1 last year and January 1, 2014.

Police

Overall between Beds, Cambs and Herts, the three forces saw a slight increase in the number of people stopped and arrested compared with the same month the previous year.

Of the breath tests administered, 246 took place following collisions and 604 did not involve collisions.

Chief Inspector Richard Hann from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Roads Policing Unit said: “Whether the figures go up or down year on year it is always a concern that there are still people putting themselves and others at risk by drinking and taking drugs before driving and we will continue to target into the new year and beyond.”

The penalty for driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs includes a minimum 12-month disqualification, as well as a fine and/or imprisonment.

Causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs now carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment and a disqualification of at least two years.

The legal alcohol limit for driving is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood but there is no failsafe guide to the amount a driver can safely consume.

The amount and type of alcoholic drink, the weight, sex and metabolism of the driver all play a part.

If you are unsure, don’t drive.

Chief Insp Hann said: “There’s no excuse for drinking and driving. If you do go out for a drink, never try to calculate whether you’re under the legal limit. Arrange a safe way to get home, such as a lift from a trusted friend who hasn’t been drinking, or use a registered taxi.”

Call 101 if you know a drink driver and tell police when and where they drink. If you know someone has been drinking and is about to drive, always call 999.